MPs want vocational training part of prisoner rehabilitation

KAMPALA - Parliament's education committee has asked the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) to extend technical and vocational training services to prisons.

The legislators, who have also expressed concern that UBTEB has not rolled out vocational training and skilling packages to refugee settlements, propose that the board explore possibilities of extending the training as part of prisoners’ rehabilitation.

“I have seen MUBS conduct examinations in prisons; don’t you think the package you are giving refugees can also benefit prisoners?” Nathan Itungo, (Indep., Kashari South County) says.

The legislators raised the concerns while meeting board officials on January 7, 2025.

The committee chaired by James Kubeketerya was receiving the Budget Framework Paper from UBTEB for the financial year 2025-2026.

Kubeketerya commended the entity’s performance as presented by executive director Onesmus Oyesigye and called for an escalation of vocational training services.

“There are educational centres in refugee settlements in different parts of the country; UBTEB should consider extending their programmes to other areas in need,” Kubeketerya said, according to a Parliament press release.

Geoffrey Macho (Busia Municipality) said business-oriented districts such as Busia would significantly benefit from UBTEB, saying traders need to increase their business knowledge.

Oyesigye told the committee that they are concerned with commitments for the next financial year which are, however, among underfunded priorities.

He asked the committee to push the Government to consider their request of shillings 25 billion to review the curriculum for 24 technical and vocational training programmes.

The organisation also requires shillings six billion to offer 12 assessment programmes for technical and vocational candidates.